King Johns Castle Doubles Visitor Numbers
Visitor attraction King John’s Castle in Limerick has been officially reopened by Minister for Finance Michael Noonan TD following a €6m revamp funded by Fáilte Ireland and Shannon Development.
In the first four months since reopening its doors on the 28 June this year, the revamped visitor attraction has welcomed over 40,000 visitors from Ireland and overseas – double the amount in the same period in previous years.
John Ruddle, chief executive, Shannon Heritage, Ireland’s largest operator of tourist attractions, said: “We have had more visitors in the first four months since reopening than we would normally have in a full year. We see this as only the start and are very ambitious about growing the visitor numbers to both the Castle and Limerick city generally.
“Growth indications are very strong for 2014, with international tour operators showing a keen interest in the Castle and we will be working closely with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism Ireland to maximize this potential.”
Over 100 construction jobs were created during the redevelopment of the castle and 27 jobs thereafter at the visitor attraction.
It now provides a time-travel experience which uses the latest technology to give people a unique opportunity to explore Limerick and the castle’s 800-year history as never before.
The reopening event featured costumed characters, stilt walkers, medieval musicians, and a jester.